Kitchen verbs list with examples and pictures

Understanding Cooking Verbs: Essential Vocabulary for the Kitchen

Introduction to Cooking Verbs

Cooking is an essential life skill, and knowing the right terminology can make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. This lesson focuses on cooking verbs, providing you with a comprehensive list of terms used in the kitchen. Whether you are following a recipe or watching a cooking show, these verbs will help you understand and execute culinary instructions effectively.

By the end of this lesson, you will be familiar with a wide range of cooking verbs, each accompanied by its meaning and examples to illustrate its use in context. These verbs are especially useful for ESL and TEFL learners looking to expand their vocabulary and improve their comprehension of English cooking instructions.

Useful Vocabulary for Cooking:

1. Recipe: A set of instructions for preparing a dish.
2. Ingredients: The items needed to make a dish.
3. Utensils: Tools used in cooking.
4. Technique: A method or way of doing something.

Cooking Verbs List with Examples and Meanings

1. Break

   • Meaning: To separate into pieces, usually by force.
   • Example 1: Break the eggs into a bowl.
   • Example 2: She broke the chocolate into small pieces.
   • Example 3: Break the bread into chunks.

2. Melt

   • Meaning: To change from a solid to a liquid by applying heat.
   • Example 1: Melt the butter in a pan.
   • Example 2: The chocolate melted in the sun.
   • Example 3: Melt the cheese over the top of the pasta.

3. Spread

   • Meaning: To evenly distribute a substance over a surface.
   • Example 1: Spread the butter on the toast.
   • Example 2: He spread the jam on his bread.
   • Example 3: Spread the icing over the cake.

4. Layer

   • Meaning: To place one item on top of another in a sequence.
   • Example 1: Layer the lasagne with pasta, sauce, and cheese.
   • Example 2: She layered the cake with frosting.
   • Example 3: Layer the ingredients in the salad bowl.

5. Fry

   • Meaning: To cook in hot oil or fat.
   • Example 1: Fry the onions until golden brown.
   • Example 2: He fried the chicken in a pan.
   • Example 3: Fry the eggs in butter.

6. Peel

   • Meaning: To remove the outer skin or covering.
   • Example 1: Peel the potatoes before boiling them.
   • Example 2: She peeled the apples for the pie.
   • Example 3: Peel the carrots and slice them thinly.

7. Mix

   • Meaning: To combine two or more substances.
   • Example 1: Mix the flour and sugar together.
   • Example 2: He mixed the salad ingredients in a bowl.
   • Example 3: Mix the batter until smooth.

8. Whip

   • Meaning: To beat quickly and lightly to add air.
   • Example 1: Whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks.
   • Example 2: She whipped the egg whites for the meringue.
   • Example 3: Whip the ingredients until fluffy.

9. Roll out

   • Meaning: To flatten dough with a rolling pin.
   • Example 1: Roll out the dough on a floured surface.
   • Example 2: She rolled out the pastry for the pie crust.
   • Example 3: Roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness.

10. Sauté

    • Meaning: To cook quickly in a small amount of oil or butter.
    • Example 1: Sauté the garlic in olive oil.
    • Example 2: He sautéed the mushrooms until tender.
    • Example 3: Sauté the vegetables for five minutes.

11. Taste

    • Meaning: To sample the flavour of food.
    • Example 1: Taste the soup to see if it needs more salt.
    • Example 2: She tasted the sauce before serving.
    • Example 3: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning.

12. Cut

    • Meaning: To divide food into pieces using a knife.
    • Example 1: Cut the tomatoes into slices.
    • Example 2: He cut the bread into cubes.
    • Example 3: Cut the chicken into strips.

13. Chop

    • Meaning: To cut food into small, irregular pieces.
    • Example 1: Chop the onions finely.
    • Example 2: She chopped the herbs for the salad.
    • Example 3: Chop the garlic cloves.

14. Slice

    • Meaning: To cut food into thin, flat pieces.
    • Example 1: Slice the cucumbers thinly.
    • Example 2: He sliced the cheese for the sandwiches.
    • Example 3: Slice the bread into thick pieces.

15. Grate

    • Meaning: To reduce food to small shreds using a grater.
    • Example 1: Grate the cheese over the pasta.
    • Example 2: She grated the carrots for the salad.
    • Example 3: Grate the lemon zest into the batter.

16. Add

    • Meaning: To put in or include as part of a mixture.
    • Example 1: Add the sugar to the flour.
    • Example 2: He added the spices to the soup.
    • Example 3: Add the eggs one at a time.

17. Pour

    • Meaning: To transfer liquid from one container to another.
    • Example 1: Pour the milk into the bowl.
    • Example 2: She poured the sauce over the pasta.
    • Example 3: Pour the batter into the baking tin.

18. Pinch

    • Meaning: A small amount of an ingredient, held between fingers.
    • Example 1: Add a pinch of salt to the soup.
    • Example 2: He sprinkled a pinch of pepper on the steak.
    • Example 3: Use a pinch of sugar to balance the flavour.

19. Steam

    • Meaning: To cook with the steam from boiling water.
    • Example 1: Steam the vegetables until tender.
    • Example 2: She steamed the fish with herbs.
    • Example 3: Steam the dumplings for 10 minutes.

20. Boil

    • Meaning: To cook in water that is bubbling at 100°C.
    • Example 1: Boil the pasta until al dente.
    • Example 2: He boiled the eggs for breakfast.
    • Example 3: Boil the potatoes until soft.

21. Barbecue

    • Meaning: To cook on a grill over an open flame.
    • Example 1: Barbecue the chicken wings.
    • Example 2: They barbecued the ribs for the picnic.
    • Example 3: Barbecue the vegetables on skewers.

22. Roast

    • Meaning: To cook food in an oven or over an open flame.
    • Example 1: Roast the chicken until golden brown.
    • Example 2: She roasted the vegetables in the oven.
    • Example 3: Roast the nuts until fragrant.

23. Bake

    • Meaning: To cook food using dry heat in an oven.
    • Example 1: Bake the bread for 30 minutes.
    • Example 2: She baked the cookies until crispy.
    • Example 3: Bake the cake at 180°C.

24. Stir

    • Meaning: To mix with a circular motion.
    • Example 1: Stir the soup occasionally.
    • Example 2: He stirred the sauce continuously.
    • Example 3: Stir the ingredients until combined.

25. Weigh

    • Meaning: To measure the weight of an ingredient.
    • Example 1: Weigh the flour for the recipe.
    • Example 2: She weighed the sugar before adding it.
    • Example 3: Weigh the meat to ensure even cooking.

26. Simmer

    • Meaning: To cook in liquid just below the boiling point.
    • Example 1: Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes.
    • Example 2: He simmered the soup gently.
    • Example 3: Simmer the stew until the meat is tender.

27. Marinate

    • Meaning: To soak food in a seasoned liquid before cooking.
    • Example 1: Marinate the chicken overnight.
    • Example 2: She marinated the beef for the barbecue.
    • Example 3: Marinate the tofu in soy sauce.

28. Blend

    • Meaning: To mix ingredients thoroughly, often in a blender.
    • Example 1: Blend the smoothie until smooth.
    • Example 2: He blended the soup to a creamy consistency.
    • Example 3: Blend the ingredients until well combined.

29. Knead

    • Meaning: To work dough by folding, pressing, and stretching.
    • Example 1: Knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
    • Example 2: She kneaded the bread dough for 10 minutes.
    • Example 3: Knead the pizza dough thoroughly.

30. Whisk

    • Meaning: To beat or stir with a light, rapid motion.
    • Example 1: Whisk the eggs until frothy.
    • Example 2: He whisked the cream into peaks.
    • Example 3: Whisk the batter until smooth.

31. Sear

    • Meaning: To cook the surface of food quickly with intense heat.
    • Example 1: Sear the steak on both sides.
    • Example 2: She seared the tuna in a hot pan.
    • Example 3: Sear the meat before roasting.

32. Season

    • Meaning: To add flavour to food with spices or herbs.
    • Example 1: Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
    • Example 2: He seasoned the salad with vinegar and oil.
    • Example 3: Season the soup to taste.

33. Carve

    • Meaning: To cut cooked meat into slices.
    • Example 1: Carve the turkey for the guests.
    • Example 2: She carved the roast beef at the table.
    • Example 3: Carve the ham into thin slices.

34. Garnish

    • Meaning: To decorate food with small additions.
    • Example 1: Garnish the soup with fresh herbs.
    • Example 2: He garnished the plate with lemon wedges.
    • Example 3: Garnish the cake with berries.

35. Sprinkle

    • Meaning: To scatter small amounts of an ingredient over food.
    • Example 1: Sprinkle the cake with icing sugar.
    • Example 2: She sprinkled the salad with nuts.
    • Example 3: Sprinkle salt over the fries.

36. Toast

    • Meaning: To brown food by exposure to heat.
    • Example 1: Toast the bread until golden.
    • Example 2: He toasted the nuts in a dry pan.
    • Example 3: Toast the marshmallows over the fire.

37. Drizzle

    • Meaning: To pour liquid slowly in a thin stream.
    • Example 1: Drizzle olive oil over the salad.
    • Example 2: She drizzled chocolate sauce on the ice cream.
    • Example 3: Drizzle honey on the pancakes.

38. Mash

    • Meaning: To crush food until smooth.
    • Example 1: Mash the potatoes with butter.
    • Example 2: He mashed the bananas for the cake.
    • Example 3: Mash the avocados for guacamole.

39. Scramble

    • Meaning: To stir eggs while cooking them.
    • Example 1: Scramble the eggs until fully cooked.
    • Example 2: She scrambled the eggs with cheese.
    • Example 3: Scramble the tofu with vegetables.

40. Puree

    • Meaning: To blend food until smooth.
    • Example 1: Puree the tomatoes for the sauce.
    • Example 2: He pureed the soup until smooth.
    • Example 3: Puree the peas for the baby food.

41. Poach

    • Meaning: To cook in simmering liquid.
    • Example 1: Poach the eggs in water.
    • Example 2: She poached the fish in broth.
    • Example 3: Poach the pears in wine.

42. Glaze

    • Meaning: To coat food with a glossy substance.
    • Example 1: Glaze the doughnuts with icing.
    • Example 2: He glazed the ham with honey.
    • Example 3: Glaze the cake with chocolate.

43. Fold

    • Meaning: To gently mix ingredients by lifting and turning.
    • Example 1: Fold the whipped cream into the batter.
    • Example 2: She folded the blueberries into the muffin mix.
    • Example 3: Fold the egg whites carefully.

44. Grill

    • Meaning: To cook over direct heat on a grill.
    • Example 1: Grill the steaks to your liking.
    • Example 2: He grilled the vegetables on the barbecue.
    • Example 3: Grill the burgers until done.

45. Blend

    • Meaning: To mix ingredients until smooth.
    • Example 1: Blend the fruit into a smoothie.
    • Example 2: She blended the spices into the sauce.
    • Example 3: Blend the soup until creamy.

46. Sift

    • Meaning: To pass dry ingredients through a sieve.
    • Example 1: Sift the flour to remove lumps.
    • Example 2: She sifted the powdered sugar over the cake.
    • Example 3: Sift the cocoa powder into the batter.

47. Chill

    • Meaning: To cool food to a low temperature.
    • Example 1: Chill the dough before baking.
    • Example 2: He chilled the wine before serving.
    • Example 3: Chill the salad for 30 minutes.

48. Measure

    • Meaning: To determine the quantity of an ingredient.
    • Example 1: Measure the flour accurately.
    • Example 2: She measured the sugar with a cup.
    • Example 3: Measure the milk carefully.

49. Deglaze

    • Meaning: To dissolve cooking residues with liquid.
    • Example 1: Deglaze the pan with wine.
    • Example 2: He deglazed the skillet with broth.
    • Example 3: Deglaze the roasting pan with water.

50. Marinate

    • Meaning: To soak food in a seasoned liquid.
    • Example 1: Marinate the meat overnight.
    • Example 2: She marinated the tofu for the stir-fry.
    • Example 3: Marinate the vegetables before grilling.

51. Boil

    • Meaning: To cook in water at 100°C.
    • Example 1: Boil the pasta for 10 minutes.
    • Example 2: He boiled the potatoes until soft.
    • Example 3: Boil the water for tea.

52. Broil

    • Meaning: To cook with intense heat from above.
    • Example 1: Broil the chicken until golden.
    • Example 2: She broiled the fish in the oven.
    • Example 3: Broil the peppers until charred.

53. Dip

    • Meaning: To immerse briefly in liquid.
    • Example 1: Dip the bread in the soup.
    • Example 2: She dipped the strawberries in chocolate.
    • Example 3: Dip the chips in salsa.

54. Shred

    • Meaning: To cut into thin strips.
    • Example 1: Shred the lettuce for the salad.
    • Example 2: He shredded the cheese for the pizza.
    • Example 3: Shred the chicken for the tacos.

55. Stuff

    • Meaning: To fill with a mixture.
    • Example 1: Stuff the turkey with herbs and bread.
    • Example 2: She stuffed the peppers with rice.
    • Example 3: Stuff the mushrooms with cheese.

56. Caramelize

    • Meaning: To cook sugar until it turns brown.
    • Example 1: Caramelize the onions slowly.
    • Example 2: He caramelized the sugar for the flan.
    • Example 3: Caramelize the apples for the dessert.

57. Tenderize

    • Meaning: To make meat softer.
    • Example 1: Tenderize the steak with a mallet.
    • Example 2: She tenderized the chicken with a marinade.
    • Example 3: Tenderize the meat before grilling.

58. Fillet

    • Meaning: To remove bones from meat or fish.
    • Example 1: Fillet the fish carefully.
    • Example 2: He filleted the chicken breasts.
    • Example 3: Fillet the salmon before cooking.

59. Zest

    • Meaning: To scrape the outer peel of citrus fruits.
    • Example 1: Zest the lemon for the cake.
    • Example 2: She zested the lime for the cocktail.
    • Example 3: Zest the orange into the salad.

60. Score

    • Meaning: To make shallow cuts in the surface of food.
    • Example 1: Score the meat before marinating.
    • Example 2: He scored the bread dough before baking.
    • Example 3: Score the fish to help it cook evenly.

61. Infuse

    • Meaning: To steep ingredients in liquid to extract flavours.
    • Example 1: Infuse the tea with mint.
    • Example 2: She infused the oil with garlic.
    • Example 3: Infuse the cream with vanilla.

62. Spray

    • Meaning: To apply a fine mist of liquid.
    • Example 1: Spray the pan with oil.
    • Example 2: He sprayed the cake with water to keep it moist.
    • Example 3: Spray the vegetables with vinegar.

63. Ladle

    • Meaning: To serve with a deep spoon.
    • Example 1: Ladle the soup into bowls.
    • Example 2: She ladled the sauce over the pasta.
    • Example 3: Ladle the stew into the dish.

64. Preheat

    • Meaning: To heat an oven to the required temperature before cooking.
    • Example 1: Preheat the oven to 180°C.
    • Example 2: She preheated the oven before baking the cake.
    • Example 3: Preheat the oven before putting in the roast.

65. Cool

    • Meaning: To let food become less hot.
    • Example 1: Cool the cookies on a rack.
    • Example 2: He cooled the pie before serving.
    • Example 3: Cool the cake before frosting.

66. Sauté

    • Meaning: To cook quickly in a small amount of oil.
    • Example 1: Sauté the onions until golden.
    • Example 2: She sautéed the mushrooms in butter.
    • Example 3: Sauté the garlic briefly.

67. Scald

    • Meaning: To heat liquid to just below boiling.
    • Example 1: Scald the milk before adding it to the recipe.
    • Example 2: He scalded the tomatoes to peel them.
    • Example 3: Scald the cream for the custard.

68. Grease

    • Meaning: To coat a pan with a thin layer of fat.
    • Example 1: Grease the baking tray with butter.
    • Example 2: She greased the cake tin before adding the batter.
    • Example 3: Grease the pan with oil.

69. Separate

    • Meaning: To divide an ingredient into parts.
    • Example 1: Separate the eggs into whites and yolks.
    • Example 2: He separated the meat from the bones.
    • Example 3: Separate the dough into smaller pieces.

70. Dust

    • Meaning: To lightly sprinkle with a dry ingredient.
    • Example 1: Dust the cake with powdered sugar.
    • Example 2: She dusted the cookies with cocoa powder.
    • Example 3: Dust the surface with flour before rolling out the dough.

71. Pipe

    • Meaning: To decorate or fill using a piping bag.
    • Example 1: Pipe the icing onto the cupcakes.
    • Example 2: She piped the cream into the pastry shells.
    • Example 3: Pipe the mashed potatoes onto the shepherd's pie.

72. Trim

    • Meaning: To remove excess parts.
    • Example 1: Trim the fat from the meat.
    • Example 2: He trimmed the ends of the beans.
    • Example 3: Trim the crust from the bread.

73. Grate

    • Meaning: To shred food into small pieces using a grater.
    • Example 1: Grate the cheese over the pasta.
    • Example 2: She grated the carrots for the salad.
    • Example 3: Grate the lemon zest into the batter.

74. Rinse

    • Meaning: To wash lightly with water.
    • Example 1: Rinse the vegetables before cooking.
    • Example 2: He rinsed the rice before boiling it.
    • Example 3: Rinse the fish under cold water.

75. Coat

    • Meaning: To cover food with a layer of a different substance.
    • Example 1: Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs.
    • Example 2: She coated the fish in batter.
    • Example 3: Coat the pork with spices.

76. Drizzle

    • Meaning: To pour a thin stream of liquid over food.
    • Example 1: Drizzle olive oil over the salad.
    • Example 2: She drizzled chocolate on the cake.
    • Example 3: Drizzle honey on the yogurt.

77. Whip

    • Meaning: To beat food lightly and rapidly to incorporate air.
    • Example 1: Whip the cream until it forms peaks.
    • Example 2: She whipped the eggs for the omelette.
    • Example 3: Whip the batter until smooth.

78. Fillet

    • Meaning: To remove bones from meat or fish.
    • Example 1: Fillet the fish before cooking.
    • Example 2: He filleted the chicken breasts.
    • Example 3: Fillet the salmon carefully.

79. Julienne

    • Meaning: To cut food into thin, matchstick-sized strips.
    • Example 1: Julienne the carrots for the salad.
    • Example 2: She julienned the peppers for the stir-fry.
    • Example 3: Julienne the cucumbers for the garnish.

80. Season

    • Meaning: To add spices or herbs to enhance flavour.
    • Example 1: Season the steak with salt and pepper.
    • Example 2: She seasoned the soup with herbs.
    • Example 3: Season the pasta with garlic and chilli flakes.

Summary and Takeaways

This lesson on cooking verbs provides the essential vocabulary for anyone looking to improve their culinary skills in English. By mastering these verbs, you can follow recipes accurately and communicate more effectively in the kitchen.

Learners should practice these verbs regularly to become more comfortable with their use. Key verbs like "chop," "sauté," and "marinate" will enhance your ability to understand and execute cooking instructions.

To reinforce your learning, you can try cooking different recipes that use these verbs, participate in cooking classes, and watch cooking shows in English. Regular practice will help you retain these verbs and use them confidently in your culinary activities.

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